NOORDWYK PRIMARY SCHOOL

CODE OF CONDUCT,MERIT AND DEMERIT SYSTEM FOR LEARNERS, INCLUDING SCHOOL UNIFORM AND LEARNER APPEARANCE

VISION

Noordwyk Primary School is committed to providing for the academic, social, cultural and emotional needs of our learners within a caring, structured, spiritual and ever-changing environment. We aim to teach the life skills and values necessary to function effectively in a multi-cultural society, and espouse acceptance and tolerance in the different cultures, beliefs and abilities to each individual in our care.

MISSION

  • To promote literacy, numeracy, positive attitudes and responsibility amongst our learners.
  • To encourage a culture of learning in our school.
  • To become a self-reliant, well-managed school committed to change.
  • To involve all stakeholders in the development of our school.
  • To provide a safe and pleasant environment in our school.

A. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

  • The Constitution of RSA
  • South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996).
  • Education Laws Amendment Act 24/2005
  • The Regulations for Misconduct of Learners at Public Schools and Disciplinary Proceedings, 2001 (General Notice 2591 of 2001). (“Regulations”)
  • The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (Act no. 3 of 2000).
  • The Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act no. 2 of 2000).

B. DEFINITIONS

In these regulations, unless the context indicates otherwise, a word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the School Education Act, 1995 (Act 6 of 1995), retains that meaning, and –

“school” means a public school in this instance Noordwyk Primary School and all its employees both GDE and SGB;

“South African Schools Act” means the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996);

“SGB” means the elected officials that form part of the School Governing Body of this school;

“learner” means a school going child at this school

“misconduct” means activity that transgresses this code of conduct

“prosecutor” means the principal of the school or an educator appointed by the principal to present the case against a learner;

“representative” means a parent of a learner, a co-learner or any other person chosen by the learner to represent the learner at a disciplinary hearing;

C. STATEMENT OF APPLICABILITY

1. The SGB

2. The Principal and educators at the school

3. The Learners

4. Parents and other stakeholders

D. OBJECTIVE OF THE MERIT AND DEMERIT SYSTEM

  • The aim is to establish discipline and a purposeful school environment dedicated to the accomplishment of the vision and mission of the school
  • To promote positive discipline, self-discipline accountability and exemplary conduct
  • Learners will be accountable for their actions which will attract both positive and negative consequences
  • Achieve the highest academic standards
  • Develop and maintain respect, obedience and love towards parents, educators and peers
  • The standard and expectation of the school will be made clear at all times but the ability to act responsibility, independently of adult supervision is considered the ultimate achievement

E. THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEARNERS

Every learner has the right:

  • to be treated fairly and the responsibility, to show respect to others;
  • to be taught in a safe and disciplinedschool environment and the responsibility toupholdschool security and be co-operative;
  • to be treated with respect bythe school community regardless of personal,cultural, racial, religious or other differences and the responsibility to be tolerant andconsiderate of others and their beliefs;
  • to express opinions politely and theresponsibility to listen to and be tolerant ofthe opinions of others; to security of oneself and one’s possessions and the responsibility to respectothers personal safety and property and notdamage or steal it;
  • to basic learning materials and theresponsibility to look after school property;
  • to work in a clean and healthyenvironment and the responsibility to ensure thatthe school premises are kept clean and arenot damaged or defaced;
  • to proper tuition, regular feedbackand promptly marked assignments and theresponsibility to take charge of his or herwork and completing of projects andhomework on time; to punctual and consistent lessonsand the responsibility to attend them on time

F. THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EDUCATORS WITH REGARDS TO LEARNERS

Educators have the responsibility to:

  • Conduct themselves in a professional and responsible way.
  • Not to use abusive language or behave in an abusive way.
  • Be punctual and report regularly for school and classes
  • Be well-prepared for teaching their classes.
  • Mark homework and assignments within a reasonable time frame.
  • Respect all people and property.
  • Encourage an atmosphere of effective learning and teaching.
  • Plan flexible lessons that address the varied and special needs of learners.
  • Follow the rules, procedures and codes of conduct of the school, government and South African Council of Educators.
  • Ensure regular communication with parents and encourage their participation in school affairs.
  • The educator has a right to discipline any learner, according to the prevailing laws and policies, who transgresses these rules to ensure that other learners’ and the educators’ rights are not diminished by this learner.
  • The educator has the right to implement these rules to ensure that effective teaching and learning is always maintained.

G. THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS WITH REGARDS TO LEARNERS

Parents must make sure that:

  • Their children go to school every day and that learners are punctual.
  • They collect academic reports and attend meetings with regards to the child and school.
  • The rights and responsibilities of their children to learn are upheld.
  • Their children follow the rules and codes of the school.
  • Their children are healthy, clean and neat.
  • They tell school authorities about any problem concerning their children or other children/people in the school.
  • They don’t use abusive language or behave in an abusive way.
  • They discuss reports, homework and assignments with children.
  • They supply their children with the basic resources needed for school work and homework.
  • They become involved in the school’s activities.
  • They pay school contribution determined by the school governing body.
  • They provide the school with their children’s original birth certificates, previous reports and residency permits (if they are not South African citizens) if the school requests this information.
  • They have the right to participate in the life of the school as provision is made for the democratic governance of schools (SGBs)

H. JURISDICTION AND SCOPE THE CODE OF CONDUCT

This code of conduct is in force:

  • On school property, prior to, during and following regular school hours.
  • At all official school events, both within and outside the regular school hours; where such school events are held under the auspices of the school management structures.
  • At all official school events which are held off the school property.
  • At all times when the learner is dressed in the school uniform and is recognizable as such or in the public view outside the school.

I. REPORTING OF OFFENCES TO AUTHORITIES AND RIGHT TO CLAIM DAMAGES

The school reserves the right to report offences to the police or any relevant authority.

The school reserves the right to charge the parent/guardian a fee to repair damages, replace lost/stolen goods, levy fines for late/non return of school material etc.

MERIT PROCEDURE

Praises are awarded by teachers according to but not limited to those listed. PRAISES ARE NOT AWARDED FRIVOLOUSLY, BUT WITH DUE OBSERVATION. This is in order to make the reward worthwhile. For every 5 praises a merit is awarded as listed. In cases where outstanding praise is due, at the discretion of the SMT a merit may be awarded without the need to reach the targeted 5 praises.

A praise is awarded to a child and recorded into the diary and recorded on the CLASS MERIT SHEET. Completed merit sheets are to be handed in at the end of each week and after capture will returned to the class teacher. The child is required to show the diary to the parent and the parent will sign the diary to acknowledge the praise/merit.

On the last Friday of the month, form class educators will present Merit Certificates, to those learners who have earned more than five merit points.Their collective efforts will be placed in a basket and one winner will be pulled out. The winner thereof will win a prize as to what is available to the school at that moment.

Badgeswill be awarded at the Merit Assembly which be held at the end of the term to be implemented 2015.

There is a definite need for positive reinforcement for desirable and worthy behaviour. Learners that show a consistent attitude, which demonstrates itself in positive behaviour that goes beyond the normal or accepted, deserve to be acknowledged.

PRAISE CHART

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / J MERIT
DATE / White Certificate
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / I MERIT
DATE / Green Certificate
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / H MERIT
DATE / Silver Certificate
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / G MERIT
DATE / Gold certificate
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / F MERIT
DATE / Free Civvies: DATE:
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / E MERIT
DATE / White badge
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / D MERIT
DATE / Green badge
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / C MERIT
DATE / Maroon badge
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / B MERIT
DATE / Silver badge
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / A MERIT
DATE / Gold badge
PRAISE NO
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE
PARENT’S SIGNATURE

PRAISES

(LISTED AS ‘P X’ ON THE CHARTS/SHEETS, WHERE ‘X’ IS THE PRAISE NO)

  1. Continual active participation in class.
  2. Helpful in class.
  3. Continually punctual for class routine.
  4. Promoting the class routine.
  5. Books handed in regularly.
  6. Being neat.
  7. Wearing correct school uniform.
  8. Neat work in books.
  9. Helping a fellow learner.
  10. Assignments continually complete.
  11. Continuous good achievement.
  12. Disciplined behaviour.
  13. Always obedient.
  14. Good co-operation.
  15. Class monitor or Prefect duties performed well.
  16. Taking care of school property.
  17. Picking up litter without being asked.
  18. Always obeying school’s code of conduct (rules).
  19. Honesty
  20. Achieving good results in tests.
  21. Kindness displayed to others.
  22. Promotes the ethos of the school.
  23. Reports serious illegal activities and transgression of rules.
  24. Initiative in problem solving.
  25. Continuous good conduct.
  26. Above average dedication.
  27. Exemplary behaviour.
  28. Voluntary participation.
  29. Promoting tolerance of others.
  30. Receiving an award, outside of school.

THE DEMERIT SYSTEM

Educators themselves should, in the first instance, attempt to correct the learner. If this is inappropriate or ineffective, then the demerit system may be put into effect. The demerit system emphasises consequences and accountability. Learners must be informed of the demerit points lost at the time of the misdemeanour. The number of demerit points will be linked to the appropriate action.

Every learner begins his/her school year with 0demerits. When a learner makes a poor choice a demerit will be added and indicated on a disciplinary list with a code as to why the learner has received a demerit.

Merits and demerits reset each year, but all MERITS AND DEMERITS are kept on file. Previous school years’ demerits and consequences will be kept on file.

WILL MY CHILD EARN A DEMERIT FOR REPORTING A PROBLEM?

Absolutely not! Demerits are only linked to consequences. We practice an open-door policy and encourage learners to discuss any problems with us. We want to be proactive and supportive to assist our learners.

PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED

The child is given a demerit after a transgression which is recorded on the CLASS DEMERIT sheets. Completed demerit sheets are to be handed in at the end of each day and after capture will be placed in pigeon holes in the mornings. The parent will receive an sms once the demerit is loaded onto the system.

The DEMERIT RECORD SHEET provides a clear indication of the process.

The Deputy Principal or Grade Head checks the merit/demerits list weekly and based upon the findings will implement the steps required.

Form Educators will receive regular updates as to where learners are with Merits and Demerits.

Where necessary, the School based Support Team (SBST) will intervene to determine if the child requires psychological /educational assessments to ascertain if behavioural issues have other root causes. The parent/guardian will be part of this process.

Only after the educatorhas attempted to correct the learner’s behaviour and after verbal reprimands the following may be put into action:

A OFFENCES

(LISTED AS ‘A X’ ON THE CHARTS/SHEETS, WHERE ‘X’ IS THE OFFENCE NO)

  1. Late for school/Late for class
  2. Books left at home
  3. Writing material left at home
  4. Homework diary not signed by a parent or left at home
  5. Workbook not handed in for marking
  6. Test not signed by a parent
  7. Messy, untidy work
  8. Reply slips not signed or returned
  9. Worksheets not pasted in books
  10. Homework incomplete/Assignments not completed
  11. Dishonesty in any form
  12. Sport uniform left at home
  13. Untidy hair
  14. Untidy/ dirty uniform
  15. Nail polish worn to school
  16. Decorative jewellery worn to school
  17. Incorrect school uniform being worn
  18. Sleeping in class
  19. Chewing bubblegum
  20. Eating in class
  21. Disrupting the learning process
  22. Impolite behaviour
  23. Running on corridors
  24. Loitering on corridors before/after school and during breaks
  25. Bullying a fellow learner
  26. Writing on desks or walls
  27. Spitting
  28. Disobeying a prefect/monitor/scholar patrol
  29. Neglect of duty, when in a leadership position
  30. Disruption outside the classroom
  31. Urinating on the school premises other than in the toilets
  32. Playing forbidden games
  33. Selling items on the school premises without permission
  34. Poor behaviour/ misbehaviour whilst on any transport to and from school
  35. Keeping information on illegal activities and behaviour
  36. Protecting learners who transgress rules
  37. Playing in toilets
  38. Displaying poor sportsmanship
  39. LTSM not returned by due date.

B OFFENCES – SERIOUS OFFENCES – DEMERITS/IMMEDIATE DETENTION/IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION AND OTHER NECESSARY ACTION

(LISTED AS ‘B X’ ON THE CHARTS/SHEETS, WHERE ‘X’ IS THE OFFENCE NO)

  1. Damaging the schools property/vandalism, textbooks, library books, educational equipment and/or computers
  2. Loss/damage of diary/LTSM
  3. Soiling the bathrooms
  4. Using profane language
  5. Showing disrespect towards and educator
  6. Disobeying an educator. (of a serious nature)
  7. Verbally threatening the safety of another person
  8. Serious aggressive behaviour towards an educator or fellow learner
  9. Assault on a learners or educator
  10. Cruelty towards animals
  11. Cheating in a test or exam
  12. Any form of sexual abuse or harassment
  13. Possession of any weapon
  14. Theft of any kind
  15. Possession of alcohol or tobacco or narcotic substances
  16. Possession or distribution of pornographic, racist or sexist materials
  17. Doing harm to the school’s image in public
  18. Gambling
  19. Common/Statutory law transgressions.
  20. Disrupting the entire school, e.g. picketing or boycotting without prior consent
  21. Public indecency/exposure

DEMERIT RECORD SHEET

DEMERITS: Deliberate/repeat inadvertent transgressions

NO / DATE / DESCRIPTION / OFFENCE NO / TEACHER / PARENT
1 / 1st Demerit + Warning – SMS TO PARENT
2 / 2nd Demerit + Warning – SMS TO PARENT
3 / 3rd Demerit + Warning – SMS TO PARENT
4 / 4th Demerit + Final Verbal Warning
(Letter sent home)
5 / 5th Demerit + Final Written Warning + Parent interview with class teacher
6 / 6th Demerit + Detention
7 / 7th Demerit – SMS TO PARENT
(Loss of Praises/Merits/Badges)
8 / 8th Demerit + Detention
(Loss of Praises/Merits/Badges)
(FLAGGED FOR SBST INTERVENTION)
9 / 9th Demerit + Detention + Parent interview with HOD
(Loss of Praises/Merits/Badges)
10 / 10th Demerit – SMS TO PARENT
(Loss of Praises/Merits/Badges)
11 / 11th Demerit + 3 day in school suspension + Parent interview with Deputy
12 / 12th Demerit + 3 day in school suspension and detention + Parent interview with Principal
13 / 13th Demerit + SGB Disciplinary Action (Possible Suspension/Expulsion)

SCHOOL UNIFORM/LEARNER APPEARANCE

1. PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Parents are reminded that the Learners’ uniform and the Learners’ appearance reflects to others, the type of school we are. We urge you to make sure that your child is cleanly and neatly attired every day; therefore please follow these guidelines/rules to ensure that your child’s appearance reflects the standard of our school. Learners will not be allowed in class if they are incorrectly dressed.

School Uniform

Girls

  • Grey school skirt (knee length) or long grey slacks.
  • White short (summer)/long (winter) sleeved shirt.
  • Black school shoes with short white socks (for skirt) or long grey socks (for slacks).
  • For winter Grey/Black wool stockings.
  • School Tracksuit –available from the school
  • Black belt
  • A grey/white beanie, white/grey scarf and gloves can be worn on cold winter mornings

Boys

  • Grey shorts or long grey slacks
  • White short (summer)/long (winter) sleeved shirt.
  • Black school shoes with long grey socks
  • Black belt
  • A grey/white beanie, white/grey scarf and gloves can be worn on cold winter mornings

Sports Uniforms – Matches

The following pertains to future:

Cricket

  • Shirt supplied by the school
  • Shorts supplied by the school
  • Long white socks and white takkies – parent

Athletics

  • Shirt supplied by the school
  • Shorts supplied by the school

Netball

  • Shirt supplied by the school
  • Skirt supplied by the school
  • White socks and white takkies – parent

Soccer

  • Shirt supplied by the school
  • Shorts supplied by the school
  • Socks supplied by the school
  • Soccer boots – parent

Sports Practices/Physical Education/Life Orientation Lessons

  • Blue/Black shorts – parent
  • School orange golf shirt – parent
  • School Tracksuit – parent
  • Sport tekkies

Hairstyles

Girls

  • Only white or gray alice bands or hair ribbons are permitted – no fancy clips or slides
  • Clean, neat and tidy. No colouring, hair styling agents, extensions, beads, weaves, dreadlocks or braids. Braids/’corn rolls’ must be plaited to the head – not allowed to hang. Long hair must be pulled back and tied up, short hair is not allowed to touch the collar. Hair may not fall forward to the face.

Boys